
An Indiana woman's family claims she was wheeled out of a hospital in active labor, forcing her to give birth on the side of a road.
Relatives of Mercedes Wells told ABC station WLS in Chicago she was discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital in Crown Point on Sunday, as hospital staff told her to go home to wait for her labor to progress. She then gave birth eight minutes later on the side of the road, the family told the affiliate.
Wells' sister-in-law, Cherise Thompson, confirmed to WLS that Wells' husband Leon delivered the baby in their truck.
"He grabbed, like, a blanket, and then, put the baby on Mercedes' chest, my niece on her chest, and drove the rest of the way to the hospital, to Munster Community," Thompson told WLS.
"Mercedes begged her. She begged her," Thompson alleges about the nurse working with Wells, according to WLS. "She said, 'I'm really in active labor. I can feel it, contractions as I walk. I mean my pain. I'm telling you; I can feel it.' And she just ignored her."
An attorney for Mercedes Wells and her family did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.
Husband speaks out after wife dies from serious complication in childbirth
In a statement, Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Raymond Grady told ABC News that the hospital is investigating the incident.
“We are grateful to learn from online and media reports that both mother and child are reportedly doing well," Grady said. "We understand the concern this has raised. The video is just one part of the information we are reviewing as part of a thorough investigation into this alleged incident."
He added, "While patient privacy laws make it difficult for us to comment more deeply, it is important to note that the videos and the narrative surrounding them do not accurately represent Franciscan Health Crown Point’s Catholic healthcare ministry’s values, which include respect for life, compassionate concern and Christian stewardship. Our goal is to make everyone who walks through our doors feel the love of Christ through our actions."
Only 25% of moms in US report 'excellent' mental health, marking an alarming decline
The hospital says they aim to give patients personalized birthing services, according to their website.
"At Franciscan Health, our team of obstetricians and medical staff provides you and your baby with the best care possible during and after pregnancy," the hospital's website reads. "We provide a personalized approach to delivery where you and your obstetrician discuss a birth plan and expectations."
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Kate Middleton and Prince William unveil annual family Christmas card photo with George, Charlotte and Louis - 2
Mexico says a third of 130,000 missing people might be alive, fueling criticisms by families - 3
8 key takeaways from Savannah Guthrie's 'Today' interview on the disappearance of her mother - 4
Porsche May Kill the Electric Boxster Before It Ever Arrives - 5
Twins were the norm for our ancient primate ancestors − one baby at a time had evolutionary advantages
Euclid space telescope sees gorgeous cosmic cloud | Space photo of the day for Nov. 18, 2025
Israel says 40 Hezbollah members killed as forces advance in Lebanon
UNICEF: More than 100 children killed in Gaza since ceasefire
Carina Nebula shines with white-blue stars | Space photo of the day for Jan. 5, 2026
Novo Nordisk cuts Wegovy price as CEO pledges to go 'all in' on weight loss pill
Heart disease risk greater for women with a common condition they may not be aware they have
Longtime United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno resigns from space company. 'Finished the mission I came to do.'
Find the Standards of Viable Refereeing: Settling Debates with Strategy
Instructions to Investigate Different Open Record Extra Offers Actually












